Version 1.0: 0609 HIJ General Certificate of Education Media Studies 2570 MEST1 June 2009 Unit 1 Investigating Media Mark Scheme POST-STANDARDISATION
Media Studies AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series MARKING NOTATION Examiners are reminded that it is essential to notate while marking. It is not enough to tick every page of writing. Candidates can now ask to see their papers and they have the right to see how and why the mark their work was given was arrived at. Summative comments must be made at the end of each answer. They must demonstrate that the mark scheme has been applied and clearly indicate the reasons for the mark allocated. Such comments should explain the level that the candidates response has been placed in. There follows a list of notations you are encouraged to use. These should be written in the left hand margin alongside the relevant point to which they refer: L Media Language R Representation A Audience Inst Media Institution G Genre N Narrative V/I Values and Ideology Good point made Very good point made Eg Example/Illustration Eg Good Example/Illustration Ex Explanation/Exploration/Expansion/Evaluation T Terminology used Th Theories/Ideas/Debates/Issues F Focus on question Eg? Needs illustration Ex? Needs explanation/exploration/expansion/evaluation Rept Repetition I Irrelevant? Query or Questionable Point Desc Description Summative comments must be made at the end of each answer. They must demonstrate that the mark scheme has been applied and clearly indicate the reasons for the mark allocated. An example will be presented at the standardisation meeting of a Model Marked Script. POINTS TO REMEMBER Please mark positively at all times take a best fit approach Use the entire spread of marks Reward use of appropriate media terminology (not language expression). See reference to quality of written communication on page 8 Reward unusual responses when supported by specific reference to text(s), or consult your senior examiner Notes must not be marked. 2
AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Media Studies Investigating Media (MEST1) 80 raw marks 48 marks for Section A (AO1) and 32 marks for Section B (AO2) Weighting: AO1 60% AO2 40% Section A Text, concept and context AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts (and critical debates) 4 questions @ 12 marks each = 48 marks These short answer questions are designed to encourage candidates to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts and the production contexts within which texts are produced (AO1). Each question should be marked using the appropriate marking grid. The list of suggested content for each question is not exclusive and candidates are not expected to refer to all of it in their answers. 3
Media Studies AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Question 1: Media Forms (12 marks) How does the trailer use media language to catch the attention of the E4 viewing audience? The question tests knowledge and understanding of media forms, specifically the use of media language in television trailers to target a yoof audience. Suggested content Fast paced editing Cutting in time with upbeat music MS/CUs to emphasise faces/actions Positive dialogue/sound bites Voice-over Use of iconic characters/celebrities High colour saturation Camera Movement Use of music Titles/Logo/Graphics Level 4 (10-12 marks) Thorough knowledge and understanding of how media language is used to engage the audience(s), demonstrated by detailed reference to the text and confident use of media terminology. Level 3 (7-9 marks) Sound knowledge and understanding of how media language is used to engage the audience(s), demonstrated by solid reference to the text and proficient use of media terminology. Level 2 (4-6 marks) Some knowledge and understanding of the media language used, demonstrated by some reference to the text and some adequate use of media terminology. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Limited knowledge and understanding of the media language used, demonstrated by superficial reference to the text and very limited use of media terminology. Level 0 (0 marks) No relevant/appropriate/suitable response. 4
AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Media Studies Question 2: Media Representations (12 marks) How is gender represented in the trailer? This question tests knowledge and understanding of how representations are constructed and conveyed within media products, specifically gender representations in contemporary television. Suggested content Stereotyping Male Gaze Positive gay role models Comedic character types Active males (in charge) Progressive/Regressive females Ironic/Camp portrayals Links should be made to media language (i.e. moving image analysis of camera, lighting, editing, mise en scene and sound) to show how representations are constructed and conveyed. Level 4 (10-12 marks) Thorough knowledge and understanding of how the representation of gender is conveyed, demonstrated by detailed reference to the text and confident use of media terminology. Level 3 (7-9 marks) Sound knowledge and understanding of how the representation of gender is conveyed, demonstrated by solid reference to the text and proficient use of media terminology. Level 2 (4-6 marks) Some knowledge and understanding of the representation of gender, demonstrated by some reference to the text and some adequate use of media terminology. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Limited knowledge and understanding of the representation of gender, demonstrated by superficial reference to the text and very limited use of media terminology. Level 0 (0 marks) No relevant/appropriate/suitable response. 5
Media Studies AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Question 3: Media Institutions (12 marks) How effectively does Channel 4 promote itself as a public service broadcaster in the trailer? (As a public service broadcaster, the channel should provide a range of high quality, innovative and educational programming which appeals to a range of cultures and audiences.) This question tests knowledge and understanding of how the institution s values are created and conveyed, specifically how effectively Channel 4 fulfils its PSB remit. Suggested content Cutting edge, popular programming Reliance on US imports (quality debate) RTV/Makeover emphasis (dumbing down debate) Limited cultural diversity Generic formulas (not experimentation) Universality of coverage dependent on access to new technologies Positive PSB values of education and information debatable Entertainment imperative (emphasis on comedy and lifestyle) Level 4 (10-12 marks) Thorough knowledge and understanding of the institutional values being promoted, demonstrated by detailed reference to the text and confident use of media terminology. Level 3 (7-9 marks) Sound knowledge and understanding of the institutional values being promoted, demonstrated by solid reference to the text and proficient use of media terminology. Level 2 (4-6 marks) Some knowledge and understanding of the institution s values, demonstrated by some reference to the text and some adequate use of media terminology. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Limited knowledge and understanding of the institution s values, demonstrated by superficial reference to the text and very limited use of media terminology. Level 0 (0 marks) No relevant/appropriate/suitable response. 6
AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Media Studies Question 4: Media Audiences (12 marks) In what ways does Channel 4 + 1 appeal to its audience? This question tests knowledge and understanding of the concept of audience, specifically the appeals of the channel and its programming for a modern television audience. Suggested content Opportunity for more flexible viewing patterns (self-scheduling) Watch/record again facility RTV/Makeover genre s ability to educate/inform/transform Cutting edge comedy that challenges the dominant ideology Identification with positive role models Socialisation (gender roles) Uses and gratifications (Surveillance/Diversion/Personal Relationships/Personal Identity) Narrative engagement Entertainment values Level 4 (10-12 marks) Thorough knowledge and understanding of the appeals for the audience, demonstrated by detailed reference to the text and confident use of media terminology. Level 3 (7-9 marks) Sound knowledge and understanding of the appeals for the audience, demonstrated by solid reference to the text and proficient use of media terminology. Level 2 (4-6 marks) Some knowledge and understanding of the appeals for the audience, demonstrated by some reference to the text and some adequate use of media terminology. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Limited knowledge and understanding of the appeals for the audience, demonstrated by superficial reference to the text and very limited use of media terminology. Level 0 (0 marks) No relevant/appropriate/suitable response. 7
Media Studies AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Section B 32 marks Cross-Media study AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding when analysing media products and processes to show how meanings and responses are created. Candidates will have undertaken any cross-media study. The questions are designed to assess candidates ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of the products and processes in their chosen topic area: (a) across the range of media platforms and (b) to explore how meanings and responses are created. As indicated within each level, Quality of Written Communication should be taken into account when awarding marks. 8
AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Media Studies EITHER Question 5 Audiences are no longer just consumers of media texts but producers too. To what extent is this true of the media products in your case study? In your answer you should: provide a brief outline of your case study evaluate how far audiences participate in and contribute to the media products in your case study support your answer with reference to a range of examples from three media platforms. (32 marks) Level 4 (26-32 marks) Level 3 (17-25 marks) Level 2 (9-16 marks) Level 1 (1-8 marks) Level 0 (0 marks) Thorough and precise outline of cross-media study provided Thorough application of knowledge and understanding of how audiences consume and/or produce media products from the cross-media study Thorough use of a range of detailed examples from three media platforms Clear, well organised and appropriate communication. Engaged response with fluent use of media terminology. At the top of this level candidates show confident understanding and application of media ideas/issues/theories/debates. Clear and concise outline of cross-media study provided Sound application of knowledge and understanding of how audiences consume and/or produce media products from the cross-media study Satisfactory use of a range of examples from three media platforms Clear and appropriate communication. Ideas structured with consistency and media terminology is used accurately. At the top of this level candidates show sound understanding of media ideas/issues/theories/debates. Generalised and sketchy outline of cross-media study provided Some application of knowledge and understanding of how audiences consume and/or produce media products from the cross-media study Adequate use of some examples from at least two media platforms Communication of ideas may be inconsistent with some limited use of media terminology At the top of this level candidates make reference, possibly implicitly, to media ideas/issues/theories/ debates. Vague and undeveloped outline of cross-media study provided Limited application of knowledge and understanding of how audiences consume and/or produce media products from the cross-media study Scant or generalised use of examples from perhaps only one media platform There may be some confusion and imbalance within the response. At the top of this level answers may show limited awareness of media ideas/issues/theories/debates and/or media terminology. No relevant/appropriate/suitable response 9
Media Studies AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series OR Question 6 Account for the similarities and differences in the codes and conventions used in media products from your case study. In your answer you should: provide a brief outline of your case study compare how and why media products from your case study are similar and/or different within and across media platforms support your answer with reference to a range of examples from three media platforms. (32 marks) Level 4 (26-32 marks) Level 3 (17-25 marks) Level 2 (9-16 marks) Level 1 (1-8 marks) Level 0 (0 marks) Thorough and precise outline of cross-media study provided Thorough application of knowledge and understanding of how and why media products are similar and/or different within and across media platforms Thorough use of a range of detailed examples from three media platforms Clear, well organised and appropriate communication. Engaged response with fluent use of media terminology At the top of this level candidates show confident understanding and application of media ideas/issues/theories/debates. Clear and concise outline of cross-media study provided Sound application of knowledge and understanding of how and why media products are similar and/or different within and across media platforms Satisfactory use of a range of examples from three media platforms Clear and appropriate communication. Ideas are structured with consistency and media terminology is used accurately At the top of this level candidates show sound understanding of media ideas/issues/theories/debates. Generalised and sketchy outline of cross-media study provided Some application of knowledge and understanding of how and why media products are similar and/or different within and across media platforms Adequate use of some examples from at least two media platforms Communication of ideas may be inconsistent with some limited use of media terminology At the top of this level candidates make reference, possibly implicitly, to media ideas/issues/theories/debates. Vague and undeveloped outline of cross-media study provided Limited application of knowledge and understanding of how media products are similar and/or different within and across media platforms Scant or generalised use of examples from perhaps only one media platform There may be some confusion and imbalance within the response At the top of this level answers may show limited awareness of media ideas/issues/theories/debates and/or media terminology No relevant/appropriate/suitable response 10
11 AQA GCE Mark Scheme, 2009 June series Media Studies